MANILA, Philippines -- Former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante has maintained that he was really sick as he justified his two-week stay at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City following his arrival from the US last October 28.

Questioned by Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada of his real health condition, Bolante replied: "Yes you’re honor I am [sick]."

"I'm sick of...I have ulcers as confirmed by my doctors; my blood pressure is erratic and has been fluctuating even before I left [the] US," said Bolante.

Bolante also explained that his family took care of his confinement at the SLMC as he had been experiencing irregular blood pressure even when he was still in the US.

"My family made the arrangement with my long time cardiologist. Before I left [the] US I told my daughter [that I was] experiencing occasional palpitation and dizziness," said Bolante.

A calm Bolante also had the time to joke while stating his condition, eliciting laughter from the people in the gallery.

"At least they found [out that] I have a heart," said Bolante, as he answered Estrada's question on what the cardiologist found during the medical check-ups.

Bolante said there was some "accumulation of hardening of the arteries" and that he has been under medication for "erratic high blood pressure."

Earlier in the day, Senate blue ribbon committee chairman Alan Peter Cayetano said Bolante underwent medical check up with Senate doctors and that he was "fit to testify."

Cayetano said doctors have also advised that Bolante be allowed to eat while testifying because of his peptic ulcer.

Meanwhile, Bolante also maintained there were threats to his life in the Philippines, prompting him to choose "detention" in the US. Answering a query by Estrada, Bolante refused to tell where the threats came from.

"We've been receiving phone calls... if you want we can have an executive session," said Bolante as he requested senators to respect his decision not to answer the question.